A perfect autumn centerpiece for your table.
As outdoor temperatures begin to drop a bit more each day, and the crops are being harvested, I am aware that soon the leaves will begin to change color and Fall will gently announce its entry, asking Summer to take her exit ever so graciously. As I listen closely, and attune myself to the harvesting and changing of the season, I hear and sense gratitude all around me.
With the change of seasons, we are also presented with the opportunity to alter routines and passages of our every day life.
Each season holds a special ambiance, but for me, there is something unique about Fall that makes it very special. The smell of harvest in the air, the apples ripening on the trees, the pumpkins ready for picking and the falling leaves all speak warmly to my soul.
I welcome the opportunity to tuck away the t-shirts and shorts of my summer wardrobe, and pull out my sweaters, wraps and warm socks in anticipation of cooler days as I ready myself for evenings spent curled up on the couch with blankets and pillows in front of a fireplace.
Today as I wandered through social media, I happily stumbled upon a lovely idea I’d not heard of before and knew I wanted to share it here, with all of you. I shall immediately be adding this idea to my list of yearly traditions, because not only is it beautiful, it is also purposeful. I believe showing gratitude in as many ways, and as often as possible, is such a beautiful way to heal, cleanse and remind ourselves and others of the thankfulness we have for everything in our lives.
The canvas for this project is a pumpkin – real or faux – and a sharpie marker. Each day you (and everyone who lives with you or visits) sets aside time to write one or more thoughts of gratitude or thankfulness on the surface of the pumpkin. This can be done by beginning at the top of the pumpkin and writing in a circular fashion around the pumpkin from top to bottom if you choose, or at random spots. This is your gratitude pumpkin, so you make your own design rules.
How to make your own gratitude pumpkin
Materials required:
a pumpkin…
a permanent marker….
and hearts full of gratitude.
As you can see, the list isn’t long, expensive or difficult to find and the benefits are amazing.
First, choose your pumpkin. This is where things get fun. Your choice may be a beautiful traditional orange pumpkin or a decorative white pumpkin may sing to your soul and better match your Fall decor. Your choice may be a faux pumpkin, and it can be brought out and used as seasonal decor for years to come. The options are limitless. If you think you might like to tie a seasonal bow around the stem, be sure to choose a pumpkin with at least a 3″ stem.
Next you will need a sharpie marker to list the things you are thankful for. The color of the sharpie is up to you and dependent on the color of pumpkin you’ve chosen. Black is most often used, but this is completely up to you. Be creative!
Wash and dry the outside of your pumpkin well before anyone writes on it, as the surface needs to be clean and dry for the sharpie to work well.
Now let the gratitude flow as you begin to create your personalized thankfulness pumpkin.
There is always something to be thankful for
My hope is that you will experience joy and happiness with this. I see it as a beautiful way to spend time with family and friends, expressing thanks and gratitude in an inspirational way.
I’m a proud mom, a friend to many, and have a profound belief in human kindness.
My goal to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life includes my love to write about things that resonate with me. My gift to you is sharing my perspective on living a happy life.
xx
